From Public Enemy to the Classroom: How Kerwin Young is Shaping the Future of Music
Imagine transitioning from crafting beats for one of the most politically charged and influential rap groups of all time to guiding the next generation of music creators. That's the journey of Kerwin Young, and it's a story that's as inspiring as it is unexpected.
Kerwin Young, a name synonymous with the golden era of hip-hop, has traded the recording studio for the classroom, bringing his wealth of experience to the UNC College of Arts and Sciences' music department. But how did this legendary producer, who shaped the sound of Public Enemy, find his calling as an educator?
It all started in the early 1990s. Young realized his potential as a teacher when he effortlessly explained the intricacies of music production to a group of Columbia University students during a mastering session for Public Enemy's iconic album, "Apocalypse 91 … The Enemy Strikes Back."
Fast forward over three decades, and Young is now a full-time faculty member, teaching courses like MUSC 156: Beat Making Lab and MUSC 212, a class for the UNC Hip-Hop Ensemble. He's found that the students' enthusiasm is contagious, and they are eager to learn.
Young's career is marked by incredible longevity and variety. From his early days as a saxophonist and DJ in Queens, New York, to his pivotal role in the rise of Public Enemy, his journey is a testament to his versatility and passion. He began working with Public Enemy's in-house production team, the Bomb Squad, in the summer of 1989. His beats have been featured on numerous Public Enemy projects and solo works by group members like Chuck D, Professor Griff, and Flavor Flav. He's collaborated with music legends such as Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Eric B. & Rakim, and Mobb Deep. Even movies like "Sister Act 2 (Back in the Habit)" and Spike Lee's "He Got Game" feature his beats.
But here's where it gets controversial... Young decided to shift his focus to music composition in 1994, displeased with the commercialization of rap. This decision led him to pursue higher education, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in music composition from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He's even composed orchestral works, including the world's first hip-hop concerto, "The Five Elements," which debuted in 2024.
Young's impact extends beyond the classroom. He serves as a hip-hop ambassador for Next Level, a U.S. Department of State program. This role has taken him to Egypt in 2017 and will send him to Italy next year, showcasing the global influence of hip-hop.
Inside the classroom, Young teaches the fundamentals and history of beat-making. He encourages his students to listen critically, dissecting the elements of a song. He challenges them with in-class beat assignments using software like Ableton, resulting in creations spanning various genres.
Web Allen, a junior, appreciates the hands-on approach and the personal connection Young fosters with his students. Young's teaching philosophy is rooted in experimentation, emphasizing the importance of finding what resonates with students.
What do you think about Young's transition from the music industry to academia? Do you agree that the commercialization of rap has changed the essence of the genre? Share your thoughts in the comments!
